8 Tips for a Perfect Day in Kyoto
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Facts & Figures
If I had to create my perfect day in Kyoto, it would always start with an early morning walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The scenery feels almost unreal, and the sound of the bamboo swaying in the wind is pure meditation. Next, I would visit the famous rock garden at Ryoan-ji Zen Temple. Simply sitting there quietly and taking it all in is enough to make you happy. No perfect day in Kyoto would be complete without exploring one of Japan’s most beautiful and popular buildings, the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple. Be aware that many others have the same idea, so it can get a little crowded. After enjoying a late lunch by the Kamogawa River, which runs through the heart of the city, I would head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site well known for its wooden stage that hovers 13 meters above the ground. The final hiking challenge of the day would be exploring the thousands of vermilion torii gates at the world famous Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, following the 4 km pathway up sacred Mount Inari which rises 233 meters above sea level. As the day winds down, I would enjoy a stroll through the Gion District, Kyoto’s largest and most famous geisha district. For some of the best food in town, head to Pontocho Alley and choose from its outstanding restaurants. Finally, I would wrap up the day with an overnight stay in one of Kyoto’s beautiful ryokans or machiya townhouses. If you follow this plan, I promise it does not get any better.
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- Overview of the 8 Tips for a Perfect Day in Kyoto:
- 1. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 2. Ryoan-ji Zen Temple
- 3. Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
- 4. Kamogawa River
- 5. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 6. Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
- 7. Gion District
- 8. Pontocho Alley
1. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Come here in the early morning hours to avoid large crowds. The tall, thick, green moso bamboo stalks, reaching 5 to 10 meters in height, create a unique and mystical atmosphere. Narrow paths wind through this fairy-tale bamboo forest, offering perfect photo opportunities at every turn.
Address: 6 Sagakamenoocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8386
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2. Ryoan-ji Zen Temple
Just sit there quietly and take it all in. Ryoan-ji, the “Peaceful Dragon Temple” in Kyoto, is one of the most famous Zen temples in Japan. Its status comes from its rock garden, known as the Sekitei, which contains 15 carefully placed stones. In 1450, Hosokawa Katsumoto, a feudal lord, established the temple. The large Kyoyochi Pond within the temple grounds is also on my list of the best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto.
Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8001
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3. Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji, officially named Rokuonji Temple, is a three-story building standing 12.5 meters tall. The two upper stories are completely covered in gold leaf. It is one of the most popular buildings in Japan and a perfect example of Muromachi-period architecture (1337–1573). A special photo highlight is capturing the reflection of the golden building in the pond’s water.
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361
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4. Kamogawa River
It is the perfect place for a nice stroll and for enjoying a lunch break. The Kamogawa River runs through the center of Kyoto. Along its riverbanks, you will find hundreds of cherry trees. It is a hanami party hotspot for locals. Enjoy the great atmosphere with friendly people having a blast.
Address: 59 Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0807
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5. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera, or "Pure Water Temple", is one of the most famous and popular Buddhist temples in Japan. Founded in 778, its main hall, with a wooden stage hovering 13 meters above the ground, is a masterpiece of Japanese temple architecture and a tourist hotspot. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862
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6. Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Inari Shrine) is one of the most popular Shinto shrines in Kyoto. It is famous for its endless arcades of thousands of vermilion torii gates along the 4 km pathway up Mount Inari, a sacred peak rising 233 meters. The head shrine of Inari represents approximately 40000 Inari shrines throughout Japan.
Address: 68 Fukakusa, Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, 612-0882
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7. Gion District
Go there in the early evening and enjoy the lantern-lit streets for a new perspective. Gion, near the Yasaka Shrine, is the largest and most popular geisha district in Kyoto. This historic area, with many traditional wooden teahouses and machiya houses, stretches from the south side of Shijo Street to the north side of Hanamikoji Street. The number of geisha here is the highest in Kyoto. The most beautiful spots are the Shirakawa Canal and Hanamikoji Street.
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8. Pontocho Alley
Pontocho Alley is one of my favorite streets in the city. It is located within the popular Kawaramachi shopping district in the heart of Kyoto, along the Kamogawa River. The Edo-period atmosphere along this narrow alley is outstandingly beautiful, with many old traditional wooden buildings, teahouses, shops, bars, and amazing restaurants.
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